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Preplanning my stock

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My tank is still cycling but have begun to think about the fish I'm going to put in there. I was thinking angelfish, denison barbs, rams and appistogrammas. I haven't thought about the type of rams or appristogrammas that I want yet but suggestions on combinations would be appreciated as well as any thoughts on plants and decor I should put in there. Right now I have gravel, a piece of iron wood, a bubbling rock with places to swim in and out of as well as 4 plants (I plan on adding more) as well as 6 emperor tetras just for cycling (will rehome or take back to the store when done cycling).

Gas mileage isn't everythingOIIIIIIIOLack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.Why pretend there are no stupid questions? Actually, There are many stupid questions: "Should I drink this bleach?" Is just one example.
Having said that, Just because it's a stupid question doesn't mean that it shouldn't be asked. It's better to know.A warm beer is better than a cold beer. Because nothing is better than a cold beer, and a warm beer is better than nothing.

from the stock you posted, I would avoid denison barbs, due to the fact that they will mature at 5-6 inches, are highly active and also social. a 46 gallon tank will
not be able to accomodate a school of 6+ active, schooling fish. rams and apistos are both dwarf cichlids that occupy the same tank space. unless you are doing a one species each
type thing, I would go for either an apisto species or a ram species due to the possibility of territorial aggression.

Our tank is 36" across and was thinking that might be enough space for the denisons, apistos and rams? I was also thinking angelfish might add some more color to it? I'm new to fish tanks and just want to make sure that I understand and make the right decisions to have a colorful and good looking tank.

I applaud you for doing the research prior-it'll save you headache, $, and you'll have an incredible tank.

the denisons are just too big and active for a tank that size. they'd be cramped in a 55 (4ft long). they need the length to really "stretch out their legs" as we americans say.

but you'll need to have a very heavy decorated tank to pull of multiple dwarf cichlids.
Check out the photo sub forum here for ScottishFish's tank-he's got a 40ish gallon and has been successful in pulling off multiple dwarfs, but you'll need to emulate that heavy of a design.

I'm attempting this again and have near copied his set up with more driftwood than I can imagine. I have 2 bolivian rams and a krib in there now. no issues.

However, i would suggest in either the dwarfs or the angelfish (note singular angelfish. lol)
They are all still considered cichlids and need to be treated as such-they pack a good temperament between them and a combo of all 3 just wouldn't work out in a 46gallon. I would think a 55 would be the smallest to try that in. (an extra foot really does make a huge difference)

but the color will come from your decor, plants (shall you chose to go that route) and fish of choice.
apistos are very colorful
rams (electric blue, german, gold, bolvians) all are colorful on their own aspect

your top level fish can be any schooling species that you desire
bloodfin tetras
cardinal tetras
neons

but if you want the best color/set up-then try to stick to one school of tetra and get a good number of them (pending your other stock)

Think if I went with as much hiding spots/decor as his tanks I could pull of the apistos and rams? With some tetras instead of the denisons with a school for around 6 of them? And no to the angelfish as well then? So max two of each of the dwarfs?